Monday, July 15, 2013

Lilacs, Lavender and Lunch

What keeps us returning year after year to Michigan, is nature. We always seem to find interesting things to do that most often have a connection to local crops, farms or beautiful views. This year, much like the rest of us in the Midwest, things were a little behind schedule. We were lucky enough to see the lilacs in bloom. The variety of colors and sizes was stunning. Everywhere we went the smell of lilac was in the air.

On my list of "things to see sometime" has been Lavender Hill Farms, in Boyne City, MI. Pictures I had seen had the fields full of dark purple, but with the crops a little late, we saw just the beginning of the blooms.

The fields are evidently very fragrant when in full bloom, but I had to use my imagination a little bit as we really couldn't smell the lavender outside yet.

The very large basket is full of different types of lavender. I had no idea there were so many varieties.There are also lots of bees. I actually had one leave the hive and get in my hair. My husband was trying to brush it away and it simply wouldn't leave. What started as me brushing a hand near my hair ended up with me doing quite a dance, screaming a bit and yelling at my husband to get rid of it! I kept waiting for the sting, but I survived. Thankfully, no camera for that episode!

The gift shop DID smell like lavender. Oh my, a bloggers dream shop. Everything was so pretty and soft colors were everywhere. I tasted lavender shortbread (it was good, but I prefer mine without lavender), tried creams and lotions and bought a few Christmas gifts.

Everywhere we looked there was lavender growing.

Can you imagine what it looks like in full bloom?

Usually my travel posts include tons of food pictures. We did actually eat on this trip, but after months of healthy eating (see posts here and here) we didn't eat as often or as much. One of the places we really enjoyed was Martha's Leelanau Table in Sutton's Bay, MI. Suttons Bay is a beautiful lake town full of shops and restaurants. Martha's is in an old house and we enjoyed our lunch on the patio.

I ordered the Leelanau Raclette. Leelanau Raclette cheese is made locally and we have purchased the cheese before. I have never had it served the traditional way and it was everything I had imagined. The cheese is melted and served with crusty bread, boiled potatoes and cornichon pickles. It was excellent.

My husband had the Turkey, Bacon, Pesto and Swiss Sandwich on 7-grain bread. We would certainly go back again. The desserts looked amazing, but we were too full after lunch to try them.

Sometime in my life I want to see a lavender field! The gift shop looked awesome...how neat that you got a head start on Christmas. Never heard of Sutton Bay...is it very far north? It sounds like it would be a great little road trip.

Hi Suz,What a lovely post, and sounds like a lovely place to visit. Bet Lavendar Hill is amazing when it is in fullbloom. I have never actually seenreal lilacs before, I have some faux ones, but that pic is gorgeous.Love your new summer background too,very pretty. and went so well with your lilac and lavendar post. lol

That was mighty fine looking vittles too........yummo.....

Hope all is well with you hon,Can't believe we are more than half way thru July already, Fall will behere before we know it.

You take care and gotta come back later and read your post with all the classic cars, I scanned it andit looks interesting.

HI--I have never seen lavender growing in large amounts --it would be cool to see it! As far as the bees go my daughter had the same problem when we visited an apple orchard. She had shampooed her hair that morning with a shampoo that smells like apples WHICH DID NOT HELP to prevent the bee attraction. She got stung! Glad you didn't.

Yes,as far as me closing my blog , I guess I could do as you say...just take breaks!

Oh how beautiful, Sue! I can imagine the fragrance too. You should try bubble tea. I really like it and it is refreshing. Tapioca can be white and this is dark brown. Actually it comes in different colors. Thanks for stopping by. I hope you can visit my College friends' blog too...Christine

I love my room so I bought many things to décor my room like lilac & lavender, diffuser and much more. Actually my friends are coming to my home for study so I want them to feel good at study time. I hope your suggested room sprays may be very good.